By Johnny Edward: The General Secretary of the Zambian Football Association Ponga Liwewe has admitted that the Chipolopolo face an uphill battle to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, Completesportsnigeria.com reports.

Zambia, who have never qualified for the FIFA World Cup, have been drawn in Group B along with Cameroon, Algeria and Nigeria and Liwewe thinks the Chipolopolo lack the wealth of experience which their opponents possess.

Liwewe told Lusaka Times that their respective opponents have an edge.

“It is a tough draw and all our opponents have been to the World Cup before,” Liwewe, who is also a popular sports commentator and analyst, said.

“It will take a concerted effort to qualify but if we approach the matches with a well prepared team, play to the best of our ability and keep focused, we can qualify.”

The Chipolopolo will host Nigeria on matchday 1 on the 3 October, 2016 while the reverse fixture is away to Zambia on 2 October, 2017.